A. Any existing sign, legally erected, which no longer conforms with the regulations of this title is hereby declared a nonconforming sign and not in violation of this title (except for off-premises signs).

B. A nonconforming sign shall be permitted to remain until such time that said sign becomes abandoned or unsafe; or is proposed to be replaced, relocated and/or structurally or electronically altered (except for off-premises signs).

C. A nonconforming sign advertising a conforming use, when replaced or changed, shall comply with the provisions of this title (except for off-premises signs).

D. A nonconforming sign, when replaced or changed, shall comply with the provisions of this title; or one sign may replace all existing exterior signs if the total square footage of said sign does not exceed 75 percent of the aggregate total square footage of the existing signs nor constitutes more than 150 percent of the sign area permitted by regulations of the applicable land use designation (except for off-premises signs or billboards).

E. All off-premises signs which were legally erected and maintained are hereby declared nonconforming. Any off-premises sign 50 percent or more destroyed may not be reconstructed. All off-premises signs shall be removed from the city of Bellingham by March 13, 1996, as provided in BMC 20.12.040(C).

F. A nonconforming billboard may be repaired; provided, that the cost to repair shall not exceed $5,000. If the cost to repair or reconstruct a nonconforming billboard exceeds $5,000, the billboard must conform to the requirements specified in this code. [Ord. 10674 §§ 17, 18, 1995; Ord. 10039 § 3, 1990; Ord. 9582 § 6, 1986; Ord. 9024, 1982].